Downtown Disney at Lake Buena Vista is easy to get to from any of the Walt Disney World resorts; the resorts offer transportation. The Marketplace at Downtown Disney is a great place to shop, eat, or take a boat ride. To avoid the crowds, read on.
eat well
Let’s say the first thing you want to do is eat so you have plenty of energy to go shopping and nobody gets irritated.
Looking for seafood? Cap’n Jack Oyster Bar is open from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm Sit at a table by the sea and look out over the lake. Specialties are all things fishy, including crab cakes, seafood pasta, and clam chowder.
Maybe you’re hungry for Latin chicken with fried plantains and yucca fries. At Pollo Campero, chicken is famous. The restaurant, housed in a former McDonald’s, also has a healthy menu that includes vegetarian, organic, low-sodium, gluten-free, and sugar-free meals.
But maybe you’re not looking healthy. You want rich, creamy and sweet. Like an ice-cream! But not just any sundae, but made with the best chocolate – Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. Who doesn’t love a soda fountain? You remember those, right? But you don’t have to be unhealthy about it. Ghirardelli’s offers fat-free and sugar-free ice cream. Go early. This place is packed with people at night.
Do you dream of eating in a tropical jungle? The Rainforest Café offers steak and seafood, sandwiches, pasta and salads, as well as burgers and hot dogs for the kids. You can eat among fig trees, waterfalls and animatronic wild animals. Expect a “thunderstorm” from time to time. See the colorful tropical fish in the saltwater aquarium. If you’re looking for a special drink, try the bar under the giant magic mushroom.
If you have gourmet tastes but don’t want to linger, head to the Wolfgang Puck Express, a fast-food version of the famous Wolfgang Puck restaurant on Downtown Disney’s West Side. The price is moderate and the place serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A sample of the menu: french toast and waffles, muffins, tortillas and fruit for the morning; rotisserie chicken, soups, salads, wood-fired pizza, ice cream and cookies during the rest of the day.
The Earl of Sandwich might be the place if you’re really in a hurry. The Earl prepares fresh sandwiches made to order with their special sauces and spreads. They are also famous for their cakes and ice cream sandwiches. At a very reasonable price.
Really on the move? Look for kiosks around the Mercado where you can cool off with coffee drinks, smoothies, snacks, and even Margaritas.
Now you are ready to go shopping.
You’re a Disney fan, so you want Disney stuff. Mickey’s Pantry is the place to be if you’re a cook. There you can find waffle irons, dinner plates and coffee mugs with a Mickey theme. You can also buy tea, spices, sea salt and flavored sugars in the “Spice and Tea Exchange” section.
What would Disney World be without toys? Once Upon a Toy Store has more Disney-themed toys than you ever dreamed of. The place looks like it was made from Lincoln Logs. You can also find Disney DVDs.
More toys? Do you dream of a store dedicated exclusively to LEGO? The LEGO Imagination Center has, well, every kind of LEGO imaginable, plus all kinds of games, clothing, and kits. Take advantage of the gigantic outdoor play area. And watch out for the LEGO sea serpent in the lake.
Are you a collector of all things Disney? At The Art of Disney, you’ll find all kinds of Disney-themed artwork, as well as figurines, glass, and porcelain from Walt Disney’s classic collection. The best part is that there is a variety of prices for everyone.
If you want to make your own art, design your own t-shirt at Disney Design-A-Tee. User-friendly computers help you through the creative process. Choose a character like Tinker Bell and write your own text.
And don’t forget the Disney Christmas decorations. At Disney’s Days of Christmas, you’ll find decorations, hats, stockings, all featuring Disney characters, including Disney Christmas movies and Hanukkah decorations.
princess personal care
At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside the World Of Disney Store, you can transform into a princess. Disney Diva, Fairytale Princess and Pop Princess are the fantasy hairstyles for girls ages three and up. It is best to make a reservation in this room. For Disney princess hair, makeup and even nails, call 407) WDW-STYLE or (407) 939-7895.
Also at the World Of Disney Store: A world of natural bath and face products at Basin, including scented candles, bath crystals and specialty soaps.
The World of Disney Store, by the way, is a massive fifty-thousand-square-foot mall filled with all the Disney must-haves, from towels and princess outfits to watches, magnets, and computer software.
Do you feel sporty now?
Whether you’re playing golf, baseball or something else, you’ll find all kinds of sports apparel, ESPN gear and souvenirs at the Team Mickey Athletic Club. Even Disney-themed bowling balls for that magical touch.
Or maybe you feel like dressing up for that romantic boat ride later on. In Tren-D everything is modern and elegant. Shop for Disney Couture clothing, designer jewelry and handbags made from candy wrappers.
The boat ride on the village lake
You’re all made up and sparkling like a princess now. At Cap’n Jack’s Marina, you can rent a Sea Raycer if there’s just one or two of you, canopy boats for up to eight people, and pontoon boats for a group of up to ten. Cap’n Jack’s also offers cruises and bass fishing expeditions.